The Earthshine Grove

Back in 2006, when Harrier and Bobbie were part of the Wildspirit Grove, and a little before Gordon and Debbie joined us there, we had a day planting trees in, what will one day become, Neptune Wood.

The idea behind the wood was to replace the trees that were felled to build The Neptune, one of the ships that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar. Other woods with similar aims were being planted around the country, so it was rather grand to be part of such a scheme and we were very proud to plant Oaks.

The other reason we were there is that we had been asked to bless the new wood. So, after the planting, we robed up and held a ceremony there amongst the new trees.

Today, a few of us went back to the wood to see what had happened to the little twiglets we planted. We were very glad to stand amongst many rows of young Oak and Hornbeam. Though some have not made it, others were well over our heads and looking good. The Hormbeam has already started to take leaf but the Oaks are waiting a little longer. Can’t say I blame them after recent weather:>)

Here are some before and after pictures:

Imbolc has seen the Earthshine Grove emerging into a new phase:>)

Firstly: We have now established the idea of pre-rite planning meetings which means that anyone interested can come along to discuss the ritual and offer to take on some part of it.

Secondly: Our Perennial Druidry meetings at Full Moon give us an opportunity to sit in the comfort of Gordon and Debbie’s home and talk about Druidry.

Thirdly: Harrier and White Raven have re-established the Celebrate the Season workshops which they used to run with Keri at Gaea. These are now run at Laceys Yard in Chesham. We will continue to run them this year with the intention of introducing people to the pagan wheel of life. Already there has been some interest expressed by those visiting the shop. These evenings are available to all ESG members who want to talk about the season in more depth and this is helpful for preparing ourselves personally for the rite. It is also a ‘safe’ place to invite friends as the format is introductory rather than full on and includes group chat followed by meditation and a short rite.

All this means that the Earthshine Grove is much more active now than it was a year ago with opportunities for members to discuss their druidry and also and outreach plan. This is very exciting.

That it is happening now in 2012 is probably no surprise. There has been so much hype and expectation about this year since it was discovered that the ancient Mayan calendar runs out on the 21st December 2012. Whether or not this is portentious, it has certainly excited the awareness of many people throughout the world to a point where the expectation may actually lead to a global rise in spiritual awareness.

I am looking forward to this coming year and the times we share together. May the Goddess Brigid bless our path and lead us into the emerging year.

Imbolc – Sat 4th Feb for sunrise (7:00 am)

Alban Eiler – Sat 17th  March for midday (11:30 am)

Beltaine – Sat 5th May evening (8:00 pm)

Alban Hefen – Sat 23rd June at sunrise (4:00 am)

Lughnasadh – Sat 4th August afternoon (3:00 pm)

Alban Elfed – Sat 22nd September for midday (11:30 am)

Samhain – Sat 27th October evening (8:00 pm)

Alban Arthun -Sat 22nd December at sunset (3:00 pm)

Summer Picnic

Coombe Hill – Sunday 22nd July

Joint Meeting with Chiltern Nematon Grove

Sunday 17th June – more details to come

Perenniel Druidry

Meetings at Debbie and Gordon’s home 8 – 10 pm:

January – Monday 9th
February – Tuesday 7th
March – Thursday 8th
April – Thursday 5th
May – Tuesday 8th
June – Friday 1st
July – Tuesday 3rd
future dates TBA

We all gathered at Harrier’s county estate, on what was a warm cloudless evening with just the hint of a breeze. The circle space of our grove was prepared and decorated with flags before everyone came down the hill to the rite. The altar for offerings was put in place and decorated.

Beltane Circle

The ritual began with lively puckish spring energies everywhere. We reached the main part of the rite and Harrier spoke about the responsibilities we all have at this time of year. We also explored the growth of our seeds that we had all planted at Imbolc in the cold and grey light at the start of the year.

Then Harrier welcomed Jack-in-the-Green, who, as if by magic appeared from nowhere, who was this mysterious being?

Jack o' the Green

Then Jack began to speak… “Hello. Greetings and welcome to Beltane Eve.  I am Jack-in-the-green. You may also know me as the Greenman or Jack of the Green or even as Cernunnos… There is new life  everywhere; there is a thrust for life and a thrust from life, a time of growth, a time to thrive… This is not just a time of growth, fertility and magic of Mother Nature’s Oomph; but a time to celebrate and dance, time to enjoy the energy… Follow me in the dance”.

Then the dance began!

After much dancing, singing and general cavorting, the rite settled down once more.

“I’m Jack-in-the-Green, the Green Man, but only a man, I am only but one half of the energy and majesty of the May time. To be complete there must be a lady of spring, a Queen of the May?”

Then there was a challenge from Jack to all the young maidens, “Are you strong of Spirit and of body, does life flow through your veins with power and eagerness?”

After a few heart fluttering moments, the young maiden to be our Queen of May was chosen. Aine became our Queen of the May, hail to the Queen. Being duly crowned our Queen was introduced to all assembled, to be known and recognised in her Sovereignty.

Our May Queen

The rite settled back once again and Debbie led everyone in the burning of the mistletoe left from the Mid Winter ritual. Each person took pieces of mistletoe and cast them into the fire to burn away the negative energy as a symbol of what is no longer required in our lives.

The Eisteddfod followed including the story of the Druid who grew too big for his cloak.

All too soon it was time to return to the ordinary world.

With time afterwards to have a chat and a cuppa, the evening ended with a warm glow of friendship and understanding.

Thank you to Harrier for leading a wonderfully gentle but powerful rite (and guiding us through the excitable and puckish energies of the evening), to our Queen of May, the Keeper of the Fires and to that mysterious Jack whoever he was?